First out of the blocks is the 21.5-inch version, with the 27-inch iMac coming in the next few weeks. Two basic models of the smaller edition are available, with slightly different Intel Core i5 processors, Turbo Boost options and graphics processing.

The 2.7GHz version starts at £1,099, while the moderately better specified 2.9GHz model costs from £1,249. Both of them, like the 27-inch version too, feature superslim waistlines thanks to Apple's adoption of a friction-stir welding process.

According to the manufacturer, this "uses a combination of intense friction-generated heat and pressure to intermix the molecules of the two aluminium surfaces - creating a seamless, precise and superstrong join".